YOUR PATH TO THE COCKPIT

PPL(H) Training

Find out about the theoretical and practical training content of the PPL(H) private pilot licence for helicopters.

PPL(H) – Training content of the private pilot licence

The training content of the PPL(H) is designed to fully prepare prospective private pilots for safe handling of the helicopter. They consist of in-depth theoretical instruction and practical flight training in which all essential flight manoeuvres, safety procedures and navigation skills are taught.

Training contents PPL(H)


Range Content Details

Theoretical training Aircraft law Airspace rules, rights & Duties of pilots Theoretical training Navigation Maps, course calculation, use of navigation aids Theoretical training Meteorology Weather phenomena, flight weather analysis, hazards due to weather Theoretical training Aircraft General Knowledge Aerodynamics, engine, systems and technology of the helicopter Theoretical training Operational procedures Flight preparation, performance calculation, safety procedures Theoretical training Human performance Stress, perception, decision-making in the cockpit Theoretical training Communication Radiotelephony (BZF), radio procedures, emergency and urgency reports

Practical flight instruction Basic flight Straight ahead, turns, climbing and descending, take-off & Landing Practical flight instruction hover flight Stabilisation in hovering, ground effect, directional control Practical flight instruction Emergency procedures Autorotation in engine failure, simulated emergency landings Practical flight instruction Navigation flights Route planning, orientation, airspace structure Practical flight instruction External landing exercises Landings outside aerodromes under the supervision of the flight instructor Practical flight instruction Solo flights Supervised solo flights including required solo en route flight

Examinations Theoretical theoretical test Multiple-choice examination across all theoretical fields Examinations Practical test Practical proficiency check with examiner in helicopter

Requirements Minimum age Start of training i.d.R. from 16 years, license issue from 17 years Requirements Medical fitness Class 2 medical certificate required Requirements Language skills English Language Proficiency recommended for international flights

Theoretical training


Theoretical training of the PPL(H) provides the basic expertise necessary for the safe and responsible use of a helicopter. This includes subjects such as aviation law, navigation, meteorology, aircraft science, operational procedures, human performance and radio communication. In these learning areas, aspiring pilots gain a deep understanding of airspace structures, weather conditions, technical systems and safety-related processes. The theory thus forms the indispensable basis for later practical flight training.

Practical flight instruction


In practical flight training, theoretical knowledge is translated into real flying skills. Step by step, flight students learn basic flight maneuvers, hovering techniques, navigation tasks and important emergency procedures such as autorotation. In addition to training flights with flight instructors, supervised solo flights and a mandatory solo route flight are also part of the training scope. The aim of this phase is to learn the safe mastery of the helicopter in different situations and to develop the necessary routine for the practical PPL(H) test.